Nintendo has indicated that a new Mario game may soon be available for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. During a recent interview, Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, asked fans to “stay tuned” regarding the next installment in the Mario series. Many had anticipated that the Switch 2 would debut alongside a new Mario game, potentially a sequel to Super Mario Odyssey. Instead, Nintendo has confirmed that Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza will be among the first-party titles launching with the new console.
Nintendo Teases Next Mario Adventure
In an interview with CNN this month, Bowser hinted that the upcoming Mario game could be released on the Switch 2 sooner rather than later.
“Stay tuned,” Bowser remarked. “We have a vast catalog and a long list of intellectual properties that I’m sure will find their way to the platform.”
Nintendo has not provided comprehensive details concerning its first-party lineup for the Switch 2 beyond the titles already announced for 2025. During the Nintendo Direct presentation focused on the Switch 2 on April 2, several first-party and third-party titles were unveiled.
At launch, set for June 5, only two first-party games have been confirmed: the open-world racing game Mario Kart World and the Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour, an interactive guide for users.
Following the launch, the action-platformer Donkey Kong Bananza is scheduled for release on July 17, with additional titles including Kirby Air Riders, Drag X Drive, and Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment confirmed for 2025. The current lineup suggests that major releases for both Mario and The Legend of Zelda will not occur this year.
In the meantime, Nintendo plans to roll out Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades for existing and previously announced Switch 1 games, which include titles like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. These upgrades will be available throughout 2025, with the acclaimed Zelda titles from the original Switch set to release on launch day.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows may be available on the Switch 2
Photo Credit: Ubisoft
Potential for Assassin’s Creed Shadows on Switch 2
While iconic franchises such as Mario and Zelda will be absent from initial offerings, third-party developers have announced a strong lineup of games set to release on the Switch 2 this year and in the future. Among these are titles like FromSoftware’s new exclusive The Duskbloods, along with popular games such as Hogwarts Legacy, Split Fiction, Cyberpunk 2077, and Elder Ring.
Additionally, recent disclosures from the PEGI ratings website hinted that Assassin’s Creed Shadows could also be making its way to the Switch 2. A report from VGC indicated that the title appeared on the website as a supported game for the Switch 2, specifically in the most searched games section.
However, the information has since changed, and the PEGI listing for Assassin’s Creed Shadows now only shows support for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. The earlier indication does suggest that Ubisoft’s upcoming action-adventure title may eventually be available on the Switch 2. While Ubisoft has confirmed the launch of Star Wars Outlaws on September 4, there has been no official announcement regarding a Switch 2 version for the latest Assassin’s Creed title.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was officially unveiled on April 2 and was initially scheduled for pre-orders in the U.S. starting April 9. However, due to the tariffs imposed by the U.S. government, the pre-order date has been postponed to April 24. The console is set to be available to consumers starting June 5.
